Gifford’s and the Institute for Family-Owned Business give to families

January 2, 2013 - 3:34pm

Thanks to Gifford’s Famous Ice Cream and the Institute for Family-Owned Business (IFOB), families staying at Ronald McDonald House recently enjoyed a Guest Chef dinner that featured fun-filled holiday gift bags for children and, of course, lots of ice cream. Members of the Gifford family and IFOB Board of Directors hosted and volunteered at the event.

Gifford’s and IFOB teamed up for the House at the suggestion of Gifford’s General Manager and IFOB board member Lindsay Gifford-Skilling. In addition to sponsoring a full-course meal, the group donated 50 gift bags that were distributed to RMH families throughout December. The bags included items such as activity and coloring books, crayons, toys, teddy bears and “reindeer antlers” sure to complement any holiday outfit! In addition, Gifford’s donated 14 tubs of ice cream for House families to enjoy well into 2013.

Gifford’s, a family-owned, family-run business based in Skowhegan, operates ice cream stands in Maine and markets its products throughout the Northeast. “Giving to charities involving children and families in need has been a long standing commitment of Gifford's,” explains Sales Manager J.C. Gifford.

IFOB is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and strengthening the approximately 80 percent of Maine businesses that are family owned and operated. “With our focus on families, we are grateful for the opportunity to lift the spirits and ease the burdens of families staying at the House,” says Gina Weathersby, Executive Director of IFOB.

Gifford’s Events and Promotions Coordinator Jessica Moore-Gale speaks of the value that the House provides. “I traveled many nights when we lost our dad,” she says. “It was overwhelming. There is enough on your mind when a loved one is in the hospital. Having a warm, accommodating place to stay is a wonderful gift. The Ronald McDonald House® is not just a place to rest your head, it really is a home away from home."

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